F1 Practice Today: Madring schedule, times and TV channel for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

F1 comes to Madrid for the first time today (Friday September 11) as the new Madring circuit makes its official bow with the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.

The action gets under way with two free practice sessions today (Friday) and one tomorrow (Saturday) as the excitement in the Spanish capital reaches fever pitch.

The new Madring track, 5.416km in length and boasting 22 corners, is expected to provide a thrilling weekend of action, and maybe a safety car or two.

A recent F3 testing day at the circuit brought out 19 (NINETEEN) red flags while Williams team principal James Vowles says the track is 'a car killer'.

The big feature of the circuit is the sweeping banked La Monumental curve which will have jaws dropping in the grandstands and on TV screens around the world.

We have all the key schedule and TV information for you as Spain prepares to unveil its latest gift to the world of F1.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc could miss Spanish GP, faces 'hardest return in sports' with FIA health exam

F1 Practice start times - 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

With no F1 sprint this weekend, there will be three Free Practice sessions at the Madring.

The action starts today at 1330 local time (1230 UK) with Free Practice 1, while Free Practice 2 is at 1700 local time (1600 UK).

Start times will vary depending on your location. Please find the times converted to your local time zone below.

FP1 - Friday September 11, 2026

FP2 - Friday September 11, 2026

FP3 - Saturday September 12, 2026

How to watch Spanish GP practice live on TV today

Where you can watch Spanish Grand Prix practice live on TV today depends on your location.

Sky Sports will have live rights in the UK, with Channel 4 offering a highlights package on Saturday and Sunday. Apple TV meanwhile has the US broadcast rights.

There is good news for local fans, who can watch the action live and FREE in Spain via Mediaset.

Broadcast details vary across the globe. Check below to see how to tune in from your country or region.

*American F1 fans can make use of a seven-day free trial with Apple TV and watch Spanish GP weekend for no extra cost. To sign up to Apple TV, click here.

F1TV Pro also carries coverage of the sport, depending on which territory you are in.

Please note if you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

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Written by

Graham Shaw - Consultant Editor

Digital sports leader with 30 years of senior level experience running global brands. Built sportinglife.com to be a behemoth in the UK as well as being in charge of the Planet Sport network of sites including planetf1.com, football365.com, teamtalk.com and planetrugby.com. Then grew goal.com to be the world's biggest soccer website in 18 languages and 37 territories. Was GM of Portals for Perform Group (now DAZN) with overall responsibility for sportingnews.com, spox.de and voetbalzone.nl.

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